A leading security camera-maker has sent footage from inside a family’s home to the wrong person’s app.
Swann Security has blamed a factory error for the data breach – which was brought to its attention by the BBC – and said it was a “one-off” incident.
However, last month another customer reported a similar problem saying his version of the same app had received footage from a pub’s CCTV system.
Swann said it was attempting to recover the kit involved in this second case.
In the meantime, it said it had notified the UK’s data privacy watchdog of both cases.
“Swann Communications (Europe) have made us aware of this incident and we will be making inquiries,” the Information Commissioner’s Office said in a statement of its own.
“If anyone has concerns about how their data has been handled, they can report these concerns to us.”
Swann is owned by the Infinova Group, a US-based security camera specialist with offices across the globe.
Motion alerts
The BBC first learned of the problem on Saturday, when a member of its staff began receiving motion-triggered video clips from an unknown family’s kitchen.
Until that point, Louisa Lewis had only received footage from her own Swann security camera, which she had been using since December.
The development coincided with Ms Lewis’s camera running out of battery power and requiring a recharge.
“I was out and I had a couple of alerts,” she recalled.
“Naturally, I looked at my phone only to see the video was not of my home.
“At first I ignored it – I thought it must be an error – then I had several other alerts, at which point I thought I had better get in touch with Swann.”
The clips, which had automatically downloaded to her handset, featured a man and woman passing close to the camera. A child’s voice could also be heard in the background.
A Swann customer representative told Ms Lewis that nothing could be done until after the weekend.
And it was only after the matter was flagged to the firm’s PR agency on Monday that she stopped receiving video clips.
Following an internal investigation, a Swann spokeswoman later provided an explanation.
She said that “human error” had caused two cameras to be manufactured that shared the same “bank-grade security key – which secures all communications with its owner”.
“This occurred after the [family] connected the duplicate camera to their network and ignored the warning prompt that notified: ‘Camera is already paired to an account’ and left the camera running,” she added.
“We are regretful that this was not addressed immediately and adequately by our support team, when discovered. We have addressed this and made some internal changes.”
The spokeswoman said that Swann had been unable to identify or contact the family involved.
“We can confirm that no further data was breached or accessed by additional third parties,” she added.
Pub feed
The BBC discovered there had been a report of a similar incident in May.
Another Swann security kit owner had posted images to Twitter in an attempt to identify a pub sending video clips to an app used by him and his wife.
“One day we were watching our own cameras, the next – when we opened the app up – it was someone else’s,” recalled Tim Lane, who lives in Leicestershire.
“One of the cameras looked over the desk of the maitre d’ and we thought we recognised a stag logo on the pile of menus.
“Searching the internet for restaurants with a stag theme became a bit of an obsession for us for a week or more.”
He added that he initially thought the pub might be overseas, but was surprised to eventually discover it was a short drive away.
Mr Lane subsequently visited the pub – The Bradgate – to warn its staff.
“The manager initially appeared suspicious and perhaps a little hostile,” Mr Lane said.
“I really can’t blame him, we could have been hackers. In reality we were both victims of a breach of personal privacy somewhere in Swann’s systems.”
Swann’s spokeswoman said that this matter was still under investigation, but that it suspected both parties had registered their products with the same username and password.
“[We] are putting stricter measures in place for this not to occur in the future,” she added.
But when The Bradgate and Mr Lane agreed to divulge their usernames to the BBC, the logins did not match.
‘Unconvincing explanation’
One cyber-security expert has raised concern.
“I can kind of see how the duplicate security key happened, but the second scenario seemed very unlikely,” Prof Alan Woodward from the University of Surrey explained.
“I’m dubious that two users unrelated other than by geographic area would choose the same username and password combination enabling one to see the live video feed of the other.
“When both incidents are combined it does make you wonder if there are others who have had similar issues, and whether there is more at work here than has been so far explained.”
BlackBerry is back again – sort of. The brand has been revived by manufacturer TCL, a company invested in cashing in on nostalgia. The BlackBerry Key2 is a better phone than2017’s KeyOne, but still a stunted device compared to the rest of the market.
It’s an undoubtedly slick smartphone with a look clearly modelled on 2015’s BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition, a phone that supposedly was meant to run Android until the last-minute change to BlackBerry’s own software.
History aside, the Key2 is a device with limited appeal in 2018. Unless you really, really want a keyboard on your smartphone, this is not the phone for you, despite especially secure Android Oreo 8.1 and productivity focussed keyboard functions.
But if you are in that vocal minority that insists typing on glass sucks and want some niche software features you won’t find anywhere else, then this is your next phone.
This makes it £80 more than the KeyOne was at launch – a big step up. And in the general market, it’s a huge £110 more than a and only £20 less than the Huawei P20 andLG G7.
BlackBerry Key2 design and build
In our time testing the Key2, we’ve had a fair few (expected) comments from friends, ranging from ‘is that a BlackBerry?’ to ‘what the hell is that?’. This is down to incredulity – most people don’t know you can still buy a BlackBerry in 2018.
We assured those people that despite its odd looks considering the year, the Key2 is a really well-made phone. TCL has used premium feeling series 7 aluminium for the frame that looks exactly like the silver BlackBerry Passport, only squeezed into a slimmer unit.
Not the slimmest, though. The Key2 measures 151.4 x 71.8 x 8.5mm (the very thinnest phones are around 7mm thick) but because of the form factor this is feels very svelte and weighs in less than the 180g KeyOne at 168g.
The metal frame neatly wraps around as the rim (or is that RIM?) of the phone as well as intersecting the lines of the keyboard. It’s a step up in design and feel from the KeyOne, as is the improved and still-unique grippy textured plastic rear of the phone. It’s a pleasing world away from the usual glass slabs that smartphones tend to be in 2018.
It’s no secret that this phone is a nostalgia trip, with BlackBerry Mobile telling us that the feel of the newly matte keyboard was modelled on the old Bold 9900. Cleverly, there’s a fingerprint sensor integrated into the spacebar. The keys are an upgrade on the mushy, glossy keys on the KeyOne.
On the Key2 they are matte, 20% larger and satisfyingly clicky, much like the excellent volume and textured power keys. Below that key is a smooth convenience key that you can map to perform nearly any function you like.
The 4.5in display is an odd 3:2 aspect ratio to accommodate the form factor and means you’ll have to get used to generally smaller on-screen text and a phone that it is not fun to play landscape games on. But TCL knows and owns this, and the trade-off is the keyboard – the whole phone works around that.
All those key gaps mean the Key2 is no way waterproof though.
Capacitive buttons on the bezel of the screen above the keyboard light up and so aren’t remappable, but they fade away when not in use for a pleasingly subtle effect. There’s also a headphone jack up top, and dual down facing speaker next to the USB-C port.
Dual cameras on the back protrude ever so slightly, while the front camera sits on the slim top bezel next to the earpiece. It’s a very pleasing piece of technology to hold, but one that is necessarily utilitarian and functional in its design. It’s one of the only phones out there that you don’t really need a case for.
BlackBerry Key2 features and specifications
So, if the design and presence of a keyboard is up your street, you’ll be wondering if the Key2 performs as well as flagship phones. Is the Key2 a flagship phone itself? Arguably yes, at £579 and the most high-end BlackBerry ever.
Display
The screen is a 1620x1080p 4.5in 3:2 LCD with Gorilla Glass 3 and decent colour reproduction, but it isn’t the brightest, and will have you squinting to read it in direct sunlight (though this is true for the majority of LCDs). Notably you can select from natural, boosted and saturated colours just like on the Pixel 2.
Compared to the KeyOne, the display here has shifted upwards and the forehead is 25% smaller in order to fit in an overall larger keyboard area. It means that the phone is a tad top-heavy and we sometimes found it difficult to know where to hold it comfortably.
There’s useful functions like double tap to wake and an ambient option that wakes the screen when you receive a notification and briefly displays it. Also present is the ever-more common night mode that decreases the blue light the screen kicks out.
Despite the physical keyboard this is obviously a touchscreen, and you’ll find yourself taping and swiping when necessary. BlackBerry remains the only OEM that offers a handy swipe up on apps with three dots for a quick widget view, which we love.
You can also toggle the option for an on screen keyboard should you want to, but it covers most of the display. Tapping the symbol key on the keyboard also brings up the virtual keyboard to get to those lesser used symbols.
Processor, memory and storage
The processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 paired with 6GB RAM as standard (the KeyOne’s RAM differed depending on the colour you chose). The 660 is a power efficient mid-range processor and is used here for two reasons – the Key2 is not designed to be used for high-end gaming and is also supposed to last well over a day on a single charge.
Most Key2 units have 64GB storage (single SIM) and a microSD card slot for expansion up to 256GB. You can hold out for a 128GB dual SIM model if you want, but these aren’t as readily available at launch.
The phone is noticeably faster than the KeyOne in day to day performance – the updated processor and more RAM clearly helping alongside Android Oreo 8.1. There was only the tiniest hint of slowdown, yet again when using BlackBerry’s Hub software. We found it pretty easy to not use it though, and it’s easy to disable (it’s a big RAM hog, collecting as it does every single notification you receive into one inbox).
Benchmarking the Key2 against the KeyOne and other phones with similar specs and price shows it’s a decent performer for a mid-range device, though at over £500 you might expect better performance for your money – the £469 OnePlus 6 has a Snapdragon 845.
But then again, the Key2 is a market all on its own with its physical keyboard.
Keyboard
This is the reason you buy this phone. The keys are the best for a while on a BlackBerry, bigger than the small square keys of the KeyOne and the Priv. Here there are angled towards the centre like much older BlackBerrys and have a matte finish that is more pleasant to type on.
There’s a dimple on the D key so you know where you are but if you’re used to typing on glass now then a physical keyboard is a slow experience. We were about 50% slower, though once you get used to it you are more precise with your strokes rather than jabbing at a glass virtual keyboard that you know will use autocorrect to the max.
Autocorrect still works on the Key2 though, and the three words suggested on the screen can be selected by swiping up underneath the correct one. As well as a decent fingerprint sensor imbedded in the spacebar there is a new key called the Speed Key. It replaces the lesser used right side shift key.
This key build on the fact you can map each key to open an app. For instance, you can programme the T key to open Twitter with a short press and Tinder with a long press.
On the KeyOne, you could only launch from the home screen, here you hold down the Speed Key like a shift key and you can hop around apps from anywhere in the OS. It’s really handy and if you are a power user who wants to program loads of shortcuts, it’s great. Similarly you can customise the currency key (we used it to bring down the notification shade).
But for most people, it’s a confusing solution to a non-existent problem. BlackBerry Mobile says it’s a time saver for the busy professional, but who doesn’t have a microsecond of time to find an app?
Yet this is one of the best keyboards ever on a BlackBerry and using it as a trackpad to scroll is still a genuinely useful thing and means your thumb doesn’t cover any of the screen. But only purists need apply – it’s all very frustrating to use if you are used to virtual keyboards (and you definitely are).
Connectivity and audio
Notably the Key2 has HD audio and a noise cancelling speakerphone, again outlining its business-minded audience. The dual speakers sound good when on speakerphone calls (as do calls through the earpiece) and we found ourselves happily listening to podcasts without headphones.
When you need headphones, the bundled ones are pretty good in-ears with inline remote. The tips aren’t circular and are more ergonomic to fit in your ear. They also act as the aerial for the onboard FM radio.
If you want to go wireless the Key2 has Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable connection to smartwatches and headphones.
Cameras
The Key2 is not the phone to buy if you want a stellar camera. There are improvements from the KeyOne to a dual lens system, but results are middling. Like most phones at this price, pictures in broad daylight are great, but anything in low light comes out grainy and distorted.
TCL has used dual 12Mp sensors, the main with f/1.8 and second with f/2.6 used for portrait mode or 2x zoom. Portrait mode photos are what you’d expect – a blurred background with rough edges round the subject on closer inspection.
There’s still no OIS, but an element of digital stabilisation at play that unfortunately doesn’t do a lot in low light.
A front facing 8Mp camera is nothing to write home about, but fine for video calling and casual selfie indulgence. You can also tap the fingerprint sensor to send a photo directly into the Locker app – not into the gallery or the cloud. Secure.
Video capture is impressive with 1080p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps but can be pretty shaky with no stabilisation.
Battery life
With a large 3500mAh battery, the Key2 promises anything from one to two day battery life depending on usage. It achieves a day easily but if we being picky, it’s not as good as the KeyOne – a phone we regularly got two full days use out of.
The Key2 drifts into a second day but around lunchtime we were reaching for a charger. Don’t get us wrong – it still outperforms most phones out there, but there is no improvement here in longevity over the last generation which is a bit of a shame. It’s actually a tiny regression and given that many Key2 buyers might already have a KeyOne it’s notable.
BlackBerry Key2 software and apps
TCL and BlackBerry Mobile hang their hats on the keyboard and the software of the Key2. Their phones get regular security patches, which is great and the same applies to the Key2. There are also features like a Locker to put (hide) photos and files from prying eyes and unique features like a privacy shade to read slivers of screen at a time and a redactor to blur out information before sending screenshots.
The below screenshots show the home screen, app drawer, notification shade and settings menu with the in-OS dark theme applied.
The DTEK app tracks basic security and alerts you if you need to act on something, and the OS is chattier than most about letting you know if an app wants to access your camera and mic – and lets you deny permission.
Unlike many phones the Key2 also sets up a hardware root of trust when you set it up, improving security.
Android 8.1 is close to stock here and you won’t find any flashy animations or selfie stickers.There’s still the productivity tab which is a Samsung-esque swipe from the side of the screen that gives calendar, note, task and message overlays for quick access to various actions and information.
There are no animations when using the Speed Key as apps spring onto the screen immediately. The slickness of the OS is imperative in making the Key2 feel fast and productive, and at that it succeeds.
A slice of computing history has been made public, giving people the opportunity to delve into an archive that inspired a generation of coders.
The Computer Literacy Project led to the introduction of the BBC Micro alongside programmes which introduced viewers to the principles of computing.
It included interviews with innovators such as Bill Gates and Steve Wozniak.
The BBC hopes the 1980s archive will encourage today’s youngsters to become involved in computing.
With the release of the archive, viewers can now search and browse all of the programmes from the project.
They will be able to:
watch any of the 267 programmes
explore clips by topic or text search
run 166 BBC Micro programmes that were used on-screen
find out the history of the Computer Literacy Project
Matthew Postgate, the BBC’s chief technology and product officer, said: “This archive offers a fascinating and nostalgic glimpse into an important milestone in the history of computing.
“The hardware may have changed, but the principles still apply – which also makes it a unique resource for teaching and learning that will hopefully encourage a new generation of computer users.”
The project was inspired by the launch of the BBC Micro four decades previously.
That machine is seen by computer historians as a bridge between the early home computer and the ubiquitous PC that emerged in the 1990s.
When it hit the market, an estimated 60% of primary schools and 85% of secondary schools adopted it.
The accompanying 10-part TV series was initially intended to be broadcast in January 1982 but was delayed for a month because demand to buy the Micro was so great.
Prof Steve Furber, principal designer of the BBC Micro, said it was important for today’s generation – growing up with all-pervasive technology – to understand that that was not always the case.
“The 1980s saw the emergence of the computer from the machine room, where it was under the control of a few folk in white coats, into homes and schools where it is accessible to all.
“The BBC Micro not only gave folk access to a computer, but it also gave them easy access to its inner working, something that has been lost with most of today’s very sophisticated technology.”
Hermann Hauser, co-founder of Acorn Computers, added: “The BBC Computer Literacy Project made Britain the most computer-literate nation on earth at the time and, with the BBC computer, created a generation of UK programmers who have become leaders in their field.”
According to new research from the UK’s University of Hertfordshire, two-thirds of memory cards on the second-hand market still contain data belonging to the previous owner, putting their privacy and security at risk.
Even if you’ve formatted your card or erased its contents, the data may still be easily recoverable using free consumer software.
The university’s researchers studied 100 used SD and microSD cards purchased from eBay, second-hand shops, conventional auctions and other sources over a four-month period. They made a virtual copy of each card, then used regular data recovery software to retrieve the previous owners’ files.
The results were alarming, with intimate photos, selfies, GPS data, scans of ID documents and contact lists all there for the taking.
Of the 100 cards analyzed, 36 hadn’t been wiped at all before being sold. Another 29 had been formatted, and two had their data deleted, but it was all easily recoverable.
Only 25 cards had been properly erased using a program that overwrites files multiple times, making them irretrievable. Four of the cards were broken, and four more were blank.
Formatting isn’t enough
“This research uncovers the prevalence of second-hand memory cards providing a rich source of sensitive data, that could easily be misused if a buyer so wished,” said Professor Andrew Jones, the University of Hertfordshire’s professor of cyber security.
“Despite the ongoing media focus on cybercrime and the security of personal data, it is clear from our research that the majority are still not taking adequate steps to remove all data from memory cards before sales.”
Professor Jones said sat-nav data is particularly sensitive. Not only can it be used to determine where a person lives, it can also reveal where they work, and the whereabouts of their families and friends.
“As exemplified in this report, often the problem is not that people don’t wipe their SD cards; it’s that they don’t do it properly,” added Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate for tech service comparison site Comparitech, which commissioned the research.
“Simply deleting a file from a device only removes the reference that points to where a computer could find that file in the card memory. It doesn’t actually delete the ones and zeros that make up the file. That data remains on the card until it is overwritten by something else.
“For this reason, it’s not enough to just highlight all the files in a memory card and hit the delete key. Retired cards need to be fully erased and reformatted.”
According to new research from the UK’s University of Hertfordshire, two-thirds of memory cards on the second-hand market still contain data belonging to the previous owner, putting their privacy and security at risk.
Even if you’ve formatted your card or erased its contents, the data may still be easily recoverable using free consumer software.
The university’s researchers studied 100 used SD and microSD cards purchased from eBay, second-hand shops, conventional auctions and other sources over a four-month period. They made a virtual copy of each card, then used regular data recovery software to retrieve the previous owners’ files.
The results were alarming, with intimate photos, selfies, GPS data, scans of ID documents and contact lists all there for the taking.
Of the 100 cards analyzed, 36 hadn’t been wiped at all before being sold. Another 29 had been formatted, and two had their data deleted, but it was all easily recoverable.
Only 25 cards had been properly erased using a program that overwrites files multiple times, making them irretrievable. Four of the cards were broken, and four more were blank.
Formatting isn’t enough
“This research uncovers the prevalence of second-hand memory cards providing a rich source of sensitive data, that could easily be misused if a buyer so wished,” said Professor Andrew Jones, the University of Hertfordshire’s professor of cyber security.
“Despite the ongoing media focus on cybercrime and the security of personal data, it is clear from our research that the majority are still not taking adequate steps to remove all data from memory cards before sales.”
Professor Jones said sat-nav data is particularly sensitive. Not only can it be used to determine where a person lives, it can also reveal where they work, and the whereabouts of their families and friends.
“As exemplified in this report, often the problem is not that people don’t wipe their SD cards; it’s that they don’t do it properly,” added Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate for tech service comparison site Comparitech, which commissioned the research.
“Simply deleting a file from a device only removes the reference that points to where a computer could find that file in the card memory. It doesn’t actually delete the ones and zeros that make up the file. That data remains on the card until it is overwritten by something else.
“For this reason, it’s not enough to just highlight all the files in a memory card and hit the delete key. Retired cards need to be fully erased and reformatted.”
Apple’s release schedule tends to work on an annual cycle so it isn’t a major surprise that the next version of macOS is now available for the public to test out ahead of the software becoming available later this year as a free update for owners of compatible Macs.
The update is called Mojave and will come with a range of new features, as well as some cross over with iOS.
When is macOS Mojave coming out?
Public beta: June 2018
Final release: September 2018
In the last few years, there’s been a pattern of announcement at WWDC in June, a developer beta available almost immediately, then a public version around a month later. That’s happened a little earlier than usual this year, and if you want to test drive it, here’s how to get the Mojave Public Beta.
Beta testing has typically been over by September, which is when the ‘final’ version is made available to the general public.
There’s no reason to suspect anything will be different in 2018. And given that macOS updates have been free for the last few years, it’s sure to be the case again this year.
What new features are in macOS Mojave?
Mojave will contain a slew of new features and quality of life improvements aimed at making the macOS experience as efficient and user friendly as possible. Contained in the new Mojave update we have:
Dark mode
Dark Mode is finally arriving for macOS. The feature is a fan favourite on iOS and allows for greater contrast between UI elements particularly if you’re looking at any forms of photography or media, as the colours are that much more vibrant when compared to the rest of the UI.
Developer Dark Mode will also be arriving, allowing developers to edit source code in dark mode, something which engineers across the world have been looking forward to for a while.
Desktop Stacks
Desktop Stacks is a brand new feature that has been designed to help users organise and keep their desktops clear.
Files of the same type can be ‘stacked’ on top of each other to save screen space. These stacks can then be quickly scrolled or scrubbed through, allowing swift access to your files while keeping their screen real estate as small as possible.
MacOS Finder
The macOS finder now features an all new gallery view which makes it that much easier to preview videos, documents and PDFs. The brand new sidebar now features the meta-data for each file making it that much easier to see important information and statistics.
The Finder will now also suggest quick actions depending on what you currently have selected. These options will change based on the file type(s) you have selected, and how many of them there are.
Screenshots
Screenshots can now be pulled directly into Mark Up which gives you access to a wider variety of customisable tools.
The new screenshot feature also allows you to record video clips, which you can crop and edit and then easily paste into documents and files of your choice.
Continuity Camera
This feature allows you to active your iPhone’s camera from your Mac, take a photo with your phone and have it appear instantly into your Mac’s work space.
This is a great little quality of life feature that will save you emailing pictures back and forth to yourself.
Favourite iOS apps coming to Mac
The News app will be arriving on Mac with top stories being hand-picked by Editors along with a new sidebar for enhanced navigation.
The Stocks app will also be making an appearance, containing high quality business news from Apple.
Voice Memos will also be arriving, which will allow you to record and sync audio to the iCloud which you can then drop seamlessly into garage band.
Home will also be arriving for your Mac, which will allow you to control any security cameras and command your home with your voice.
Security and Privacy
Apple has restated its commitment to keeping its user secure. Mojave will help to do this by adding additional protection for your webcam and microphone, ensuring that your permission is asked each time they are accessed.
Safari
The new Safari will also help on the security front by blocking like or share options on post, as well as comment sections, as these can be used to track you.
These options can be enabled again in the settings should you wish to see/use them.
Safari will also help to make you more anonymous online by reducing the effect of digital fingerprinting, helping to reduce the number of factors that can set you apart from other users online.
If you’re considering buying a video doorbell, the Wisenet SmartCam D1 should be on your shortlist.
The image is sharp, clear, and comparable to the Nest Hello,TechHive’s current top doorbell pick. It’s relatively good at ignoring passing cars and other spurious movement, but I found one of its key detection features—facial recognition—had a difficult time catching visitors.
Hanwha Techwin
Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet SmartCam D1 video doorbell is a contender.
Like its competitors, the doorbell will send an alert to a linked Android of Apple phone when someone presses the bell. You can talk to whoever is at the door using your phone anywhere you have an internet connection.
Video quality
The sharp video from the SmartCam D1, coupled with a bunch of controls, is one of the features to love about this product.
At 1,600 by 1,200 pixels, the resolution matches the Nest Hello and has the same 4:3 aspect ratio. The lack of widescreen means you miss a bit off to the sides of the picture, but you end up with better resolution in the center of the image where callers to your door will appear.
Users can adjust the brightness, manually control night vision, switch on and off wide dynamic range, and even switch on and off lens distortion. It’s probably more control than most people need, but it’s nice to have.
Martyn Williams/IDG
Setting a motion detection zone on the Wisenet SmartCam D1.
There’s a 4X digital zoom that doesn’t get too muddy or unclear when you use it. And you can set the system to record a time and date on the video image—something that is missing from many competitors’ products and is surprisingly useful.
Detection
The SmartCam D1 uses infrared to detect movement, so it should ignore things like trees swaying in the wind. It can also be triggered by the sounds of people talking, glass breaking, or sirens.
It did a good job of ignoring passing cars and people, but did sometimes misinterpret random movement as a person, although that’s pretty common with all video doorbells. When it detects something, you can choose to get an app alert, an email, or both.
Martyn Williams/IDG
Notification settings for the Wisenet SmartCam D1.
Complaints
The biggest problem I had with the Wisenet SmartCam D1 was with its facial recognition alerts. The idea is solid: When it notices someone, it snaps a picture of their face and then watches for them again. If you assign a name to that face in the software, you’ll get alerts that tell you when they have been seen.
The reality for me was that in two weeks of testing, it managed to alert me just three times, and one of those was when it mistook the hubcap on a car for a face. I reset the unit, which seemed to help for a moment, but then encountered the same problem. I even swapped the unit for a new one, but nothing changed.
Installation
Hooking the doorbell up was easy thanks in part to the wire connector blocks that come with the doorbell—they make connecting it to existing wiring easy.
I did have problems with the Wi-Fi set up. Like other products, you need to use Wi-Fi Direct to connect to the doorbell to set it up, but that connection failed with a Samsung Note 8 on both units I tried. I called customer support, which answered fast and helpfully suggested trying another phone. That worked, but what would I have done had I not had another phone around?
Once it was set up, the Note 8 worked fine for everything else.
Three face plates are supplied in black, gold, and silver.
Martyn Williams/IDG
Electrical connectors supplied with the Wisenet SmartCam D1 make installation easy.
Monthly costs
If you want the doorbell to store footage of things it has captured, you’ll need cloud video storage. It costs $5 per month to store 30 days worth of activity.
Conclusion
I was pretty impressed with the Wisenet SmartCam D1, largely because of its image quality. It’s among the best out there and it does well on minimizing false alarms, so it’s a pity that I had a problem setting it up and that facial recognition didn’t work as expected.
The problems I experienced with facial recognition should only influence your decision if it’s a feature you think you’ll need. Plenty of other doorbells don’t have it and I found it was quite acceptable without.
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